In a candid reflection on the state of diplomatic relations between St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and Canada, entrepreneur and construction worker Marlon Bute has expressed his relief at the departure of Fitz Huggins, the former consul general to Canada. Bute, who is deeply committed to self-employment and entrepreneurship, emphasizes the importance of skill acquisition for young people, urging them to learn trades that can ensure both sustenance and prosperity. He sees immense potential for SVG to benefit from Canada’s wealth, innovation, and investment opportunities, but laments that this potential was squandered under Huggins’ leadership. Bute criticizes Huggins for prioritizing political loyalty and self-promotion over fostering meaningful economic partnerships. Instead of attracting substantial Canadian investments, Huggins focused on soliciting donations of corned beef, sardines, and outdated vehicles, which Bute describes as environmentally reckless and symbolically representative of a failed diplomatic vision. The importation of gas-guzzling, decommissioned vehicles, he argues, not only burdens SVG’s fragile environment but also contradicts the nation’s calls for climate action. Bute calls for a more coherent and forward-thinking foreign policy, emphasizing that diplomatic postings should serve as instruments for national development rather than rewards for party loyalty. With Huggins’ departure, Bute hopes for a new era of SVG-Canada relations, led by a capable and visionary diplomat who can unlock the untapped potential of this partnership. He concludes by thanking Canada for ending Huggins’ tenure, marking a long-overdue step toward progress.
标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
圣文森特和格林纳丁斯
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Weather system expected to bring heavy rains by Sunday
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services announced on Friday that they are closely monitoring a tropical wave currently positioned near 40 degrees west, approximately 1,000 miles east of the Windward Islands. The wave is accompanied by a significant area of showers and thunderstorms. According to the National Hurricane Centre (NHC), there is a low probability of tropical cyclone formation, with a 10% chance within the next 48 hours and a 30% chance over the next seven days. Despite the uncertainty regarding its development, the system is expected to bring cloudy skies, moderate to heavy showers, and thunderstorms to St. Vincent and the Grenadines from late Sunday into Monday. Weather models predict rainfall accumulations of 50–75 mm (2–3 inches), with higher amounts likely in mountainous regions. Additionally, strong surface winds are anticipated, which could agitate coastal waters. The bulletin warned that flash flood watches or warnings may be issued as the wave approaches, urging residents to stay informed about its progress.
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Delay doesn’t mean no charges in school violence cases – Bailey
In a series of troubling incidents involving student-on-student violence, charges remain pending in two separate stabbing cases that occurred at or near schools, leaving victims with severe injuries. Assistant Commissioner of Police Trevor “Buju” Bailey, responsible for crime fighting, revealed that the approach to prosecuting alleged juvenile perpetrators has shifted significantly.
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Relatives paint contrasting pictures of man who killed his grandfather
In a tragic incident that shook the Collins community in 2020, Jareth Jamala John, a 25-year-old man, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the manslaughter of his 94-year-old grandfather, Murrington Alston John. The crime, committed during a psychotic episode, has left the family divided in their perceptions of the defendant. During the sentencing hearing at the High Court in Kingstown, Justice Rickie Burnett referenced a social inquiry report that revealed starkly contrasting accounts of Jareth from his mother, Ivy John, and his unnamed brother. Ivy described her son as loving and helpful, emphasizing his close bond with his grandfather. She attributed his violent outburst to mental health issues exacerbated by marijuana use, which began at age 13. In contrast, Jareth’s brother painted a darker picture, alleging that the defendant had a history of violent behavior that instilled fear in the household. The brother claimed he had repeatedly urged their mother to seek mental health evaluations for Jareth, but she refused. The court also noted that Ivy had pre-existing mental health challenges. Jareth’s mental health reports indicated that his marijuana addiction, which he vowed never to quit, played a significant role in triggering his psychotic episodes. Despite his guilty plea and a reduced sentence due to diminished responsibility, the case highlights the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness and substance abuse.
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MP not representing S. Leeward in Parliament, Williams says
Attorney General Grenville Williams, who accepted his position knowing it required silence in Parliament, has publicly criticized South Leeward MP Nigel “Nature” Stephenson, accusing him of focusing solely on road issues in the national assembly. Williams, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for South Leeward, is challenging Stephenson, who is seeking a fourth consecutive term after narrowly winning the 2020 election by 505 votes.
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St. Martin’s Secondary launches agricultural science programme
In a significant stride toward enhancing food security and agricultural education, the Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF), supported by the General Employees Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU), has inaugurated a new agricultural science programme at St. Martin’s Secondary School (SMSS) in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). This initiative aligns with the nation’s broader mission to foster sustainable food production and inspire youth engagement in agriculture.
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Where is the money coming from?
As the nation prepares for upcoming general elections, scrutiny intensifies over the government’s 2025 budget allocations. A critical question emerges: where is the funding coming from? This analysis delves into specific expenditures, raising concerns about the sources of increased budgetary allocations across various sectors.
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Pharmacist on attempted murder charge granted bail (+Video)
In a significant development, Esworth Lewis, the pharmacist accused of attempted murder following a shooting incident in Calder, was granted bail on Thursday. This decision came despite the victim, Omarie Pereira of Biabou, remaining in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH). Lewis had initially been denied bail during his first court appearance on Monday at the Serious Offences Court. However, Chief Magistrate Colin John reconsidered the decision after reviewing the evidence presented by the investigating officer, Corporal Kevron Jack. Jack testified that he had visited Pereira on Thursday morning and confirmed that while the victim was still in the ICU, he was no longer dependent on life support and was breathing independently. Based on this update, the prosecution, led by Inspector Renrick Cato, withdrew its objection to Lewis’ bail. The court set bail at EC$30,000 with one surety and imposed reporting conditions. The case has been adjourned to October 30. Lewis is alleged to have shot Pereira twice in Calder on October 10, leading to the attempted murder charge.
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Concrete falling through hospital ceiling; nurses stop ‘hands-on work’
Nurses at the Maternity Ward of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital have ceased hands-on patient care due to severe safety concerns stemming from falling concrete debris from the ceiling. The issue, which began approximately two weeks ago, has escalated, prompting the nursing staff to take a stand for their safety and that of their patients. According to a nurse speaking on behalf of her colleagues, a large piece of concrete recently pierced through the ceiling, narrowly missing a delivery room. The incident occurred during a critical moment when a nurse was preparing the room for an emergency delivery. The nurse also highlighted additional concerns, including water leakage and mould in delivery rooms, as well as excessive heat and patient mixing in the ward. Despite multiple reports to the hospital’s administration and maintenance departments, no action has been taken to address these hazards. The nurses have now decided to suspend hands-on work until the situation is resolved, emphasizing the need for a safe environment for both healthcare workers and patients, particularly newborn babies and expectant mothers. Currently, two patients remain in the ward, with nurses prioritizing their safety.
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PM confirms Canada asked that Huggins be removed as CG
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has acknowledged that former Consul General to Toronto, Fitz Huggins, exceeded the permissible duration of his diplomatic posting in Canada. Gonsalves revealed that Kingstown had requested an additional three-month extension for Huggins, which was granted by the Canadian government until the end of September. This development follows speculation within the Vincentian community in Canada regarding the abrupt conclusion of Huggins’ 12-year tenure. Gonsalves addressed the matter on NBC Radio, refuting claims by the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) that Huggins was dismissed, emphasizing that his government did not terminate his role. He clarified that Canada imposes limits on the duration of consular postings, and Huggins had surpassed this period. Huggins, who served with distinction, had sought additional time to complete ongoing initiatives, prompting SVG to request an extension from Ottawa. Gonsalves highlighted that similar regulations exist in the United States for diplomatic personnel. Huggins, in a Facebook post on October 2, hinted at legal action against detractors while expressing gratitude for his assignment and community support. His tenure was marked by contributions such as sending medical supplies and decommissioned vehicles to SVG, though he was also embroiled in controversy over the purchase of a government-leased vehicle. Gonsalves defended Huggins’ actions, noting that the vehicle was acquired at a higher cost than the lease terms, saving SVG money. Huggins’ appointment in 2013 was seen as a political compromise, as he had initially sought to become the Unity Labour Party’s candidate for East St. George in the 2015 elections, a position ultimately secured by the Prime Minister’s son, Camillo Gonsalves.